Apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels

ABSTRACT

A tunnel excavating and lining apparatus comprises a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship with a cutting and steering shield in a forwardmost position, an intermediate shield, and a power shield in a rearwardmost position. Six 100 ton power jacks are disposed in equal circumaxially spaced relationship within the power shield with rear end portions engaging a slidable cylindrical push ring. The push ring is disposed in the power shield between the jacks and a forwardmost cylindrical tunnel liner element. Tunnel liner elements are sectional and arranged in coaxial end-to-end relationship with external diameters slightly less than the internal diameter of the power shield. Thus, the forwardmost liner element can be constructed within the power shield and when the push ring engages the same the power shield can thus be advanced by simultaneous operation of the power jacks.

[ Nov. 18, 1975 I APPARATUS FOR THE EXCAVATION AND LINING OF SUBTERRANEAN TUNNELS Maurice J. Plourde, Newington, Conn.

[75] Inventor:

[73] Assignee: M & P Pipe Jacking Corporation,

Newington, Conn.

22 Filed: June 17, 1974 21 Appl. No.: 479,881

I FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS Primary ExaminerJacob Shapiro Attorney, Agent, or Firm-McCormick, Paulding & Huber [57] ABSTRACT A tunnel excavating and lining apparatus comprises a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in endto-end coaxial relationship with a cutting and steering shield in a forwardmost position, an intermediate shield, and a power shield in a rearwardmost position. Six 100 ton power jacks are disposed in equal circumaxially spaced relationship within the power shield with rear end portions engaging a slidable cylindrical push ring. The push ring is disposed in the power shield between the jacks and a forwardmost cylindrical tunnel liner element. Tunnel liner elements are sectional and arranged in coaxial end-to-end relationship with external diameters slightly less than the internal diameter of the power shield. Thus, the forwardmost liner element can be constructed within the power shield and when the push ring engages the same the power shield can thus be advanced by simultaneous operation of the power jacks.

US; Patent Nov. 18, 1975 Sheet 1 013 3,919,851

QE a APPARATUS FOR THE EXCAVATION AND LINING OF SUBTERRANEAN TUNNELS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Various types of tunnelling apparatus have heretofore been available but have not been wholly satisfactory in use. Certain of the apparatus is of a highly complex nature entailing heavy financial investment and encountering difficulties in use due to the fact of its complicated construction. Other apparatus, for example, has contemplated the intermixing of functions in the use of power jacks for both the advancement of cutting shields and for more intricate steering purposes. Disadvantages in operation and unsatisfactory results have been encountered with such apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is the general object of the present invention to provide apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels wherein separate banks of power and steering jacks are employed, a desirably simple and yet efficient construction is provided for, and a high degree of effectiveness, durability and dependability in use is achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block arrangement of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIGS. IA and 1B respectively comprise left and right-hand portions of a tunnelling apparatus in longitudinal sectional views, the said figures being intended for simultaneous viewing in relative arrangement as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a transverse vertical section taken generally as indicated by line 22 in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a transverse vertical section taken generally as indicated by the line 33 in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary lonogitudinal section similar to a left-hand portion of FIG. 1A but showing a cutting and steering shield displaced angularly from its normal coaxial attitude with respect to the remaining shields of the apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring particularly to FIGS. 1A and IE, it will be observed that the tunnelling apparatus of the present invention comprises a shield assembly indicated generally at and which includes a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship. In the presently preferred form of the invention, a forwardmost shield 12 has the dual function of cutting and steering and immediately adjacent thereto and axially rearwardly thereof an intermediate shield 14 extends from its trailing edge 16 to the leading edge 18 of a rearwardmost or power shield 20. The shields l2, l4 and 20 are of sufficient size for workmen to move about freely therewithin and are disposed in coaxial relationship about a common axis 22 within subterranean material 24. The shields 12, 14 and 20 are each of heavy steel construction and may employ various forms of fabrication as for example welding, riveting etc.

In accordance with the invention, at least two discrete shields are provided respectively for cutting and steering and for power advancement of the apparatus. Thus, the third or intermediate shield 14 may be regarded as extension or part of the power shield 20. The said intermediate shield 14 and the power shield 20 remain in coaxial relationship throughout the operation of the apparatus and may be connected together as illustrated by means of a connecting band 26 disposed therewithin at a joint 28 between the trailing and leading edges of the respective shields.

Referring particularly to FIG. 1B and a rear or trailing edge portion of the power shield 20, it will be observed that an annular element 30 is received telescopically within the shield. A second annular element 30 disposed axially rearwardly of the forwardmostmember 30 has a leading edge portion thereof entered in the shield. The members 30, 30 comprise liner elements for the tunnel and are coaxially arranged about the axis 22 with external diameters slightly less than the internal diameter of the shield so as to be entered therein as illustrated. Further, the elements 30, 30 are preferably constructed in arcuate sections as best illustrated in FIG. 3. The number of sections may of course vary but as shown in FIG. 3, eight similar arcuate sections 32, 32 are bolted together to form a single tunnel liner element 30. Further, the elements 30, 30 are bolted together at radial flanges in axial end-to-end relationship as best illustrated in FIG. 1B by suitable bolts 34 34. The rearwardmost liner element 30 in FIG. 18 includes a small radial opening 36 which may be employed in filling voids about the element as by use of a conventional cement gun, the operator standing within the tunnel liner element.

In further accord with the invention, the tunnel liner elements 30, 30 form a part of a seating means for power cylinders or jacks 38, 38 to be described more fully hereinbelow. That is, the liner elements 30, 30 are secured in position axially so as to be fixed against movement in a rightward direction in FIG. 1B. A vertical excavation may be employed at the initial formation stages of a horizontal tunnel and initial liner elements 30, 30 may be held in position axially by supporting jacks or various other supporting means in the excavation. Thus, as a horizontal tunnel excavation proceeds leftwardly in FIGS. 1A and 1B excavated material may be transported rightwardly through the shields 12, 14 and 20 and through the liner elements 30, 30 in a conventional tunnelling procedure. When a sufficient number of liner elements 30, 30 have been assembled and bolted together in a tunnel with concrete filling the voids thereabout, the liner elements themselves will of course provide substantial resistance to rightward axial movement.

The power jacks 38, 38 are disposed within the power shield 20 in circumaxially spaced relationship with six such jacks preferably provided and equally spaced. In one illustrative example of the apparatus, six ton power jacks are employed. Forward end portions of the jacks are attached to the shield 20 as by means of an apertured bulk head 40 and at rear end portions rods or plungers 42, 42 of the jacks engage a push ring 44. The push ring 44 comprises a part of the aforementioned seating means for the power jacks and takes the form of an annular member having a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of the shield 20. The push ring 44 is slidable axially within the shield 20 into engagement with a forwardmost liner element 30 at a broken line position indicated at 44A. The power stroke of the jacks 38, 38 may of course vary but in a preferred form of the apparatus a 24 inch stroke is employed as indicated. As will be apparent, a liner element 30 may be constructed within the shield 20 between the push ring 44 and the forwardmost element 30 shown with the former after be effected to advance the shield and the shields 1-2 and 14 leftwardly with the push ring engaging the .newlyconstructed liner element. The push ring provides for uniform distribution of pressure circumaxially and a linear leftward movement of the entire apparatu's along the axis 22 is achieved'with the shields aligned coaxially as illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. vSuccessive constructions or assembliles of liner element's 30, and successive power strokes of the jacks mentioned above.

- Reverting now to H6. 1A, it will be observed that a left-hand or leading edge portion of the cutting and steering shield 12 is provided with an inclined surface at 46 to provide a forwardly facing cutting edge 48.

Preferably a strengthening band 50 is provided within the shield at the forward edge and a pair of horizontal breasting plates 52, 52 have sharpened cutting edges 54 at leading edges as do vertical breasting plates 56, 56,

FlG. 2. Apartially circular bulk head support 58 may Y be provided as illustrated within the cutting and steering shield 12 and a similar support 60 is shown within the intermediate shield 14. Thus, wood planks may be stacked vertically as indicated at 64, 64 to provide movable bulk heads when needed or desired. Excava ted material collecting forwardly of the bulk heads may of course be removed readily onremoval of the planks by workmen within the shields.

At a joint 58 between a trailing edge of the cutting and steering shield 12 and a leading edge of the intermediate or power shield extension 14, there is preferably provided a protective annular band 60. Said band extends externally about the edge portions of the shields and within the joint area guide elements 62, 62 aremounted on a leading edge portion of the intermediate or power extension shield 14 and extend forwardly within the cutting'and steering shield 12. That is, a plurality of the elements 62, 62 are provided in circumaxially spaced relationship and in each instance the element is fixedly mounted on the forward or leading "edge portion of the shield 14 but a slight clearance is provided as illustrated at 64 to accommodate slight angular displacement of the cutting and steering shield 12 from its coaxial attitude or relationship with the shields l4 and 20.

Referring now particularly to FIG. 4, it will be observed that the shield 12 is thereshown in angular displacement from its normal coaxial attitude. That is, an axis 22A of the cutting and steering shield is displaced angularly from the aforementioned common axis 22 and a shim element 66 is entered between the trailing edge portion of the shield 12 and the leading edge portion of the shield 14. As shown, the cutting and steering shield 12 is displaced angularly downwardly whereby to steer the entire apparatus downwardly in its leftward progress through subterranean material 24. The degree of angular displacement or inclination may be slightly exaggerated in FIG. 4 for clarity of illustration but it will be apparent that even a slight displacement can achieve a substantial turning effect upon the entire apparatus as it is advanced leftwardly by successive operations of the aforementioned power jacks 38, 38.

in its full line position. A simultaneous power stroke of the jacks 38, 38 may there- Steering jacks68, 68 for effecting the angular displacement of the cutting and steering shield 12 are provided within the cutting and steering shield and the intermediate or power shield extension 14. A plurality of such jacks is provided and, preferably, six jacks are provided in equally circumaxially spaced relationship within the shields. Fifty ton jacks are employed in an illustrative example and forward end portions thereof are attached to the power and cutting shield 12, or more particularly, to a mounting band 70 therewithin.

I Similarly, rearward'end portions of the jacks may be attached to a mounting band 72 within a forward or leading edge portion of the shield 14. As will be apparent, selective operation of the steering jacks 68, 68 will provide for a desired angular displacement of the cutting and steering shield 12 from its coaxial attitude of FIG. 1A. For example, upper jacks are selectively operated FIG. 4. Thus, upward, downward, left-hand, righthand and effective turning operation in all directions of the compass are attainable.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, a relatively simple construction has been provided for in the tunnelling apparatus of the present invention. The tunnelling apparatus is yet efficient in operation and dependable and durable over long use. There is no intermixture of functions with the separate banks of power and steering jacks 38, 68 and efficient steering is thus achieved, together with efficient advancement of the apparatus and excavation of subterranean material.

I claim:

1. ln apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination of a shield assembly comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship, a first and forwardmost shield having a leading end portion adapted for cutting through subterranean material and being further adapted for steering the shield assembly, and a second shield disposed rearwardly of said first shield and comprising a power shield, a plurality of power jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship within said power shield and each having a forward end portion attached thereto, rearward end portions of said jacks being engageable with a seating means whereby to render said jacks operable simultaneously to urge said power and cutting and steering shields forwardly through said subterranean material, said seating means comprising at least one tunnel liner element cylindrical in form and of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield, said liner element being disposed at least partially within a rear portion of said power shield and supported axially from a rearward end portion, and said seating means also comprising a cylindrical push ring of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield and disposed therewithin between said power jacksand said liner element, and said ring providing for a uniform circumaxial distribution of pressure on said liner element during a power stroke of said jacks, and a plurality of wherein each of said liner elements is constructed in a plurality of arcuate sections.

3. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 2 wherein six power jacks are provided and arranged in equally circumaxially spaced relationship within said power shield.

4. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said jacks is of 100 ton capacity.

5. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 1 wherein a joint protecting band is disposed about the joint between said power and cutting and steering shields, said joint being partially open at one side due to said angular displacement of said cutting and steering shield as effected by said steering jacks.

6. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 5 wherein a plurality of circumaxially arranged guide elements are provided within a forward end portion of said power shield, said elements engaging and guiding said cutting and steering shield during its angular displacement as aforesaid.

7. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 6 wherein at least one shim element is provided for entry into an open joint area between said cutting and sealing shield and said power shield.

8. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 7 wherein six steering jacks are provided in equally circumaxially spaced relationship within said forward end portion of said power shield.

9. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said steering jacks is of 50 ton capacity.

10. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination of a shield assembly comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arsaid jacks being engageable with a seating means whereby to render said jacks operable simultaneously to urge said power and cutting and steering shields forwardly through said subterranean material, said seating means comprising a plurality of liner elements arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship in a tunnel with one full forwardmost liner element and a portion of a second liner element disposed within said power shield when said power jacks are at rest and prior to a power stroke thereof, said jacks during a power stroke advancing said shields a distance approximately equal to the axial dimension of a liner element. and said seating means also comprising a cylindrical push ring of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield and disposed therewithin between said power jacks and said forwardmost liner element, said ring providing for a uniform circumaxial distribution of pressure on said liner element during a power stroke of said jacks, and aplurality of steering jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship and respectively having forward and rearward end portions thereof attached to said cutting and steering shield and said power shield, said jacks being operable selectively to effect slight angular displacements of said cutting and steering shield from its coaxial attitude whereby to steer precisely the entire apparatus in its progress through the subterranean material. =i 

1. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination of a shield assembly comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship, a first and forwardmost shield having a leading end portion adapted for cutting through subterranean material and being further adapted for steering the shield assembly, and a second shield disposed rearwardly of said first shield and comprising a power shield, a plurality of power jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship within said power shield and each having a forward end portion attached thereto, rearward end portions of said jacks being engageable with a seating means whereby to render said jacks operable simultaneously to urge said power and cutting and steering shields forwardly through said subterranean material, said seating means comprising at least one tunnel liner element cylindrical in form and of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield, said liner element being disposed at least partially within a rear portion of said power shield and supported axially from a rearward end portion, and said seating means also comprising a cylindrical push ring of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield and disposed therewithin between said power jacks and said liner element, and said ring providing for a uniform circumaxial distribution of pressure on said liner element during a power stroke of said jacks, and a plurality of steering jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship and respectively having forward and rearward end portions thereof attached to said cutting and steering shield and said power shield, said jacks being operable selectively to effect slight angular displacements of said cutting and steering shield from its coaxial attitude whereby to steer precisely the entire apparatus in its progress through the subterranean material.
 2. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said liner elements is constructed in a plurality of arcuate sections.
 3. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 2 wherein six power jacks are provided and arranged in equally circumaxially spaced relationship within said power shield.
 4. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 3 wherein each of said jacks is of 100 ton capacity.
 5. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 1 wherein a joint protecting band is disposed about the joint between said power and cutting and steering shields, said joint being partially Open at one side due to said angular displacement of said cutting and steering shield as effected by said steering jacks.
 6. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 5 wherein a plurality of circumaxially arranged guide elements are provided within a forward end portion of said power shield, said elements engaging and guiding said cutting and steering shield during its angular displacement as aforesaid.
 7. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 6 wherein at least one shim element is provided for entry into an open joint area between said cutting and sealing shield and said power shield.
 8. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 7 wherein six steering jacks are provided in equally circumaxially spaced relationship within said forward end portion of said power shield.
 9. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination set forth in claim 8 wherein each of said steering jacks is of 50 ton capacity.
 10. In apparatus for the excavation and lining of subterranean tunnels, the combination of a shield assembly comprising a plurality of hollow cylindrical shields arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship, a first and forwardmost shield having a leading end portion adapted for cutting through subterranean material and being further adapted for steering the shield assembly, and a second shield disposed rearwardly of said first shield and comprising a power shield, a plurality of power jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship within said power shield and each having a forward end portion attached thereto, rearward end portions of said jacks being engageable with a seating means whereby to render said jacks operable simultaneously to urge said power and cutting and steering shields forwardly through said subterranean material, said seating means comprising a plurality of liner elements arranged in end-to-end coaxial relationship in a tunnel with one full forwardmost liner element and a portion of a second liner element disposed within said power shield when said power jacks are at rest and prior to a power stroke thereof, said jacks during a power stroke advancing said shields a distance approximately equal to the axial dimension of a liner element, and said seating means also comprising a cylindrical push ring of a diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of said power shield and disposed therewithin between said power jacks and said forwardmost liner element, said ring providing for a uniform circumaxial distribution of pressure on said liner element during a power stroke of said jacks, and a plurality of steering jacks disposed in circumaxially spaced relationship and respectively having forward and rearward end portions thereof attached to said cutting and steering shield and said power shield, said jacks being operable selectively to effect slight angular displacements of said cutting and steering shield from its coaxial attitude whereby to steer precisely the entire apparatus in its progress through the subterranean material. 